Quick Answer
The correct command is `find /var/log -type f -size +10M`. This works because the `-type f` option restricts the search to regular files only, excluding directories, symlinks, or other special file types, while `-size +10M` uses the `+` prefix to mean “greater than” 10 megabytes—a critical distinction, as omitting the `+` would match files exactly 10MB. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this question tests your ability to combine `find` predicates accurately, a frequent task in real-world system administration where you must locate oversized log files to manage disk space. A common trap is confusing `-size` with `-size +` or using the wrong unit (e.g., `10MB` instead of `10M`), so always remember that `find` expects a single letter suffix like `M` for megabytes. Memory tip: think of the plus sign as “more than”—just like a plus sign adds value, it adds size above the threshold.
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of essential tools. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A system administrator needs to find all regular files larger than 10MB in /var/log. Which find command should they use?
find /var/log -type f -size -10M
Why wrong: Finds files smaller than 10MB.
find /var/log -type d -size +10M
Why wrong: Finds directories, not files.
find /var/log -type f -size 10M
Why wrong: Finds files exactly 10MB.
find /var/log -type f -size +10M
Correct syntax for larger than 10MB.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
find /var/log -type f -size +10M
Option D is correct because it uses `-type f` to select only regular files and `-size +10M` to match files larger than 10 megabytes. The `+` prefix in the `-size` test means 'greater than', which is the correct syntax for finding files exceeding a given size.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
find /var/log -type f -size -10M
Why it's wrong here
Finds files smaller than 10MB.
find /var/log -type d -size +10M
Why it's wrong here
Finds directories, not files.
find /var/log -type f -size 10M
Why it's wrong here
Finds files exactly 10MB.
find /var/log -type f -size +10M
Why this is correct
Correct syntax for larger than 10MB.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the `+` and `-` prefix syntax for `-size`, and the trap here is that candidates confuse `-size +10M` with `-size 10M` or `-size -10M`, or they mistakenly use `-type d` instead of `-type f` when the question specifies regular files.
Detailed technical explanation
The `find` command's `-size` test uses `+` for 'greater than', `-` for 'less than', and no prefix for 'exactly'. The suffix `M` denotes mebibytes (1024*1024 bytes), not megabytes (1000*1000 bytes), which is a subtle but important distinction in storage contexts. In real-world scenarios, using `-size +10M` ensures you catch files like rotated logs that have grown beyond 10 MiB, while omitting the `+` would miss them entirely.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the EX200 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Essential Tools — This question tests Essential Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: find /var/log -type f -size +10M — Option D is correct because it uses `-type f` to select only regular files and `-size +10M` to match files larger than 10 megabytes. The `+` prefix in the `-size` test means 'greater than', which is the correct syntax for finding files exceeding a given size.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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